Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Utah Bicycle Injury Statistics

Knowing where and when bicycle accidents are most likely to happen can help you avoid them, whether you are riding or driving. The Utah Highway Safety Office keeps a live count of bicycle accidents and resulting fatalities. Below are statistics for bicycle accidents and injuries in the state of Utah.

What are common bicycle accident injuries?

Bicycle accidents are often far more devastating to cyclists than motorists, because of the size and speed of motor vehicles, as well as their safety features, like seat belts and airbags. Common injuries after a bicycle accident include:

• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Strains and sprains
• Lacerations, bruising, and road rash

It’s important to seek medical treatment immediately after a bicycle accident. Your medical bills can be added to your injury claim.

What are common causes of bicycle crashes?

Over the years, the attorneys with The Advocates have represented many types of bicycle accident claims. Some common bicycle accident injury claims include crashes resulting from:

• Impaired driving or riding
• Distracted driving or riding
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Failure to check blind spots
• Improper turns or lane changes
• Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
• Bicyclist on wrong side of road

When and where are bicycle accidents most likely to occur?

Most bike crashes happen in the hours between 7:00 am- 8:00 am and 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. They are more common during the summer months (May-September) and weekdays see more accidents than weekends.
Bicycles are most frequently hit when entering or crossing the road, usually at a crosswalk or intersection. Another large portion of injured riders are hit when traveling legally on the roadway (with the direction of traffic, near the right side of the road).

How many bicycle accidents happen in Utah each year?

Fortunately, in recent years, the number of bicycle accidents each year has been declining. However, Utah still sees around 600 bike accidents each year, with more than 500 injured bicyclists annually. Around 5 bicyclists are killed in accidents every year.
The largest proportion of bicycle accident victims are between 10-30 years old, and around 70% are male.

Utah Bicycle Laws 

Knowing the rules of the road can help keep everyone safe, whether they’re a cyclist or driver. Each state and city has different laws regarding bicycles, so it’s important to be informed of the rules in every location you plan to ride. Below are some of Utah’s laws for bicycles.

Do cyclists have to wear a helmet?

There are currently no helmet laws for bicyclists in the state of Utah, for minors or otherwise. However, it is a smart idea to always wear a helmet when riding. Helmets have been proven to prevent head injuries, which can seriously diminish your quality of life, or even be fatal. More than 60% of bicyclists killed in accidents in Utah over the last several years were not wearing a helmet.
A properly-fitting helmet is one that does not wiggle around when you move your head. The chin strap should fit snugly under your chin. There should be no cracks or other damage to the surface of the helmet.

Do bicycles have to ride in the bike lane?

Bicyclists should ride as close to the ride side of the road as is safe and practicable. Bicyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder; in fact, the shoulder can be dangerous thanks to debris and obstacles that often make their way there.
If a bike lane is available, it is not required for a biker to use it, however, it can be safer. Riding in the bike lane is the only time a cyclist is permitted to pass cars and trucks on the right side.
If there is no bike lane, bikers should stay in the right lane unless passing or making a left turn. 
In some cases, posted signs may direct bikers to use an adjacent bike path instead of the road.

Can bicycles ride on the sidewalk?

Utah law states that bicycles may ride on the sidewalk, with some exceptions.
Downtown Salt Lake City and Provo areas do not allow cyclists to ride on the sidewalk. Some college campuses also prohibit sidewalk riding in certain areas.
When riding on the sidewalk, bikers should yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning when passing. They should follow signs and signals for pedestrians, including lights at crosswalks.

What equipment must a bicycle have to be street-legal?

From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, all bicycles must have a white headlight, a red tail light or rear reflector, and side reflectors, all visible from at least 500 feet.
Bicycles must also have brakes that are capable of fully stopping the bike within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour.
Other equipment that is not required but can increase biker safety includes a bell or horn (no whistles or sirens) and bright, reflective clothing on the bicyclist.

What rights and responsibilities do bicyclists have on Utah roadways?

Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles. This means that bikers must signal before changing lanes or making a turn. They must stop at all red lights and stop signs, and obey other signs and signals. They must yield the right-of-way when applicable, including to pedestrians.
In turn, bicycles receive the same rights as motor vehicles as well. Cars and trucks are required to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing. Motorists also may not attempt to distract a bicyclist.